Magda Borkowska

Introduction Social cohesion in the Covid-19 pandemic Since the introduction of the Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, there has been an ongoing public discussion on how far communities in the UK (and globally) are coming together to overcome the crisis. On one hand, news outlets have touted a renewed sense of community and togetherness emerging from the pandemic.

In the UK, women with children are less likely to be in paid work than men who have children or women who don't have a family. While some of this difference is down to personal choice, there is concern that the availability of childcare could be affecting the decisions women make about combining motherhood and paid work. Childcare prices vary across the UK, as do wage levels, but does this make a difference? And what other factors help or hinder women who are returning to work?

In the UK, women with children are less likely to be in paid work than men who have children or women who don’t have a family. While some of this difference is down to personal choice, there is concern that the availability of childcare could be affecting the decisions women make about combining motherhood and paid work. Childcare prices vary across the UK, as do wage levels, but does this make a difference? And what other factors help or hinder women who are returning to work?